Ron Hornaday III to Race in Winter Heat Series Races
1 December 1997
CHARLOTTE, NC - Ron Hornaday, III is scheduled to run all six events scheduled for the Winter Heat Series at Tucson Raceway Park. The 18-year old son of 1996 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday will make his debut on December 7 in a family-owned Late Model Chevrolet sponsored by Texas Jeans. Hornaday, III won rookie of the year honors in 1997 and finished seventh in the Late Model Stock Series at Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, NC. The youngster, who began his racing career at the age of 15 in California, worked as a crew member on Dale Earnhardt, Jr's Late Model team in 1996. "It is great that we can give Ronny this opportunity," said proud papa Ron Hornaday. "Winter Heat is a great place to gain experience. It's short track racing at its best. "Getting a chance to run the Winter Heat series in Tucson is a great opportunity for me," said the younger Hornaday. "Thanks to my parents, and the help from Texas Jeans I get a chance to live a dream. Winter Heat is where my dad got his big break, (hired by Dale Earnhardt to drive NASCAR truck) I am heading to Tucson to get experience. I hope to one day follow in my dad's shoes." The Winter Heat Series will also showcase the NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Tour, Winston West Series and Ultra Spec Trucks. Lori Vizza -- The Auto Channel